December 7, 2025

Luke 1:18-25

¹⁸ And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

¹⁹ And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you ^[a]these glad tidings. ²⁰ But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

²¹ And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. ²² But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

²³ So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. ²⁴ Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, ²⁵ “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

In this passage, Zechariah, a priest, expresses doubt when the angel Gabriel tells him that he and his wife Elizabeth will have a son despite their old age. He questions how this can happen, given their circumstances. This doubt leads to his temporary muteness as a consequence of his disbelief.The angel, Gabriel, reassures him, emphasizing that nothing is impossible with God. After the announcement, Elizabeth conceives and keeps her pregnancy hidden for five months, reflecting her humility and perhaps a desire for privacy.

This passage highlights themes of faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God's promises, setting the stage for the significant role John the Baptist will play in the New Testament narrative.

Reflect on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Trust in God’s promises. Believe in miracles. Stay faithful in prayer and obedience. Will you embrace the power of God’s timing and promises for your life?

"If YOU can push away the CLOUD of doubt, YOU will SEE the GLORY of God." — Unknown

I don't so much pray that my death will be without pain, but that it will be without doubt.

- John Piper

Doubt discovers difficulties which it never solves; it creates hesitancy, despondency, despair. Its progress is the decay of comfort, the death of peace. "Believe!" is the word which speaks life into a man, but doubt nails down his coffin.

- Charles Spurgeon

My faith has revealed the handprints of God in my life time and again. Yet, there are moments when I find myself like Thomas, wrestling with doubt and longing for assurance. In those times, my prayer rises simply and sincerely: ‘Increase my faith, dear Lord.'

Blessings to All

Until Next Time